Loading-dock blues

December 10, 2010

When the rich and powerful cross swords, no loading dock is safe from the consequences.

In the heart of Chicago's tony Lincoln Park neighborhood, bickering over the redevelopment of a defunct hospital has pitted well-connected real-estate pros against neighbors determined to stop part of their ambitious plan.

The neighbors object to putting a grocery store into what's now a parking garage.

More specifically, the dissident message to developers boils down to this: Take your loading dock and shove it.

Those delivering the message include some Lincoln Park heavy hitters, including former aldermen William Singer and Martin Oberman, who live near the site. Other neighbors have joined them, saying traffic from the retail part of this real-estate deal would upset the area's residential character.

The developers say the traffic worries are exaggerated. Only a few trucks, mostly small ones, would invade the sanctuary of Webster Avenue, and only during limited hours.

Faced with the huge empty complex that once housed Lincoln Park Hospital, and a workable plan to put it back on the tax rolls for mostly residential and office use, the city has backed the developers. The project is slated for discussion before the Chicago Plan Commission on Thursday, according to a preliminary agenda.

That decision to proceed with zoning came over the objections of 43rd Ward Ald. Vi Daley — an unusual move, considering the city zoning process typically bows to the will of the elected official. Is city clout afoot? Well, Daley is a lame duck. She decided not to seek re-election in February.

As of last week, the two sides remained at an impasse. The project has a lot to offer. But the city shouldn't just dismiss the local concerns about traffic. Given the neighborhood dissent, and considering the alderman's objection, we don't see how this issue belongs on the Plan Commission agenda as the holidays beckon.

The neighbors should be suggesting ways for this project to work. Grocery stores are a fact of life, and generally welcome additions to a community. We hope that in the aftermath of the holidays, a path will emerge to make this promising proposal work—and be welcomed by its neighbors.